Capital Area Autism Network

We're only two weeks away from #GivingTuesday and we need your support! CAAN is committed to growing our network to address the most impactful needs of neurdivergent community in the Baton Rouge area. From evaluation to intervention to school to work and social life, we are growing connections to help support inclusion and independence. Can't wait until December 3? You can donate anytime at our website: https://buff.ly/421i1CV Thank you for helping make the Capital Area a more welcoming place for all!

Read our latest newsletter! We take a look back at 2024 which proved to be a foundational for year for CAAN. We're also looking ahead to #GettingToWork in 2025 as we implement our recently released strategic plan. You can find it on our website here: https://lnkd.in/gm_GdXtR There are also a number of events that we'll be participating in coming up over the next few weeks where we'll talk about the work of our network and share resources and service information from around the community. Scroll through the pictures for more details or keep reading to get the information. *November 26, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm - LPB is hosting a screening of the new @pbskids show, Carl the Collector. It will be at the LPB building, 7733 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810. *December 5, 5:30 - 7:30 pm - CAAN is cohosting an Open Art House with the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. Join us at the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center, 233 St. Ferdinand Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. *December 21, 10:00 am - CAAN is sponsoring a sensory performance of Playmakers Baton Rouge holiday show, Frozen Jr. at the Reilly Theatre, 10 Tower Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Get ready for a new adventure with Carl the Collector! This show is all about friendship, exploration, and empathy. It's especially exciting to see a cast of characters that includes autistic and neurodivergent friends. #CarlTheCollector is coming to PBS KIDS and LPB starting November 14. LPB is also hosting a sensory-friendly screening of the first episode on November 26, 2024 at 10:00 am. Join us as we follow Carl's journeys around Fuzzytown!

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out this sensory performance at the Manship Theatre for the Arts at the Shaw Center!

Don't forget to register for our stakeholder meeting this Friday, October 11, 2024! We have in-person and virtual options available at our website: https://buff.ly/3ZWvLj4

Join us for our next stakeholder meeting on October 11, 2024, from 10:00-12:00. We'll be at the LSU Health Building, 5246 Brittany Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. Updates from the network will be provided, including highlights from our new strategic plan. We'll also hold a panel discussion with Dr. Steven Felix, Dr. Willie Louviere, and Angela Adolph to highlight things to consider throughout the live of autistic and neurodiverse people from early childhood through adulthood. The meeting will be hybrid with in person and virtual options available. Pre-registration is encouraged and can be found at buff.ly/3zruHJl.

There are some stereotypical traits many people associate with autism. But, as the saying goes, if you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism. We're curious, what does neurodivergence mean for your life? Let us know in the comments.

The prevalence rate for autism is 1 in 36 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That's equivalent to more than 2,600 children in Baton Rouge. The rate for developmental disabilities is 1 in 6 or greater than 16,000 kids in the Capital Area.

CAAN has a goal of seeing that everyone is celebrated for the diversity of their strengths and supported where needed. Join us in strengthening our community by getting involved in our network!

At CAAN, we believe that everyone deserves a seat at the table. Investing in inclusion for neurodivergent individuals isn’t just about fairness—it's about enriching our communities with diverse perspectives and talents. By supporting the network, our stakeholders and members foster innovation, creativity, and empathy, creating a more vibrant and welcoming world for all.